Three-day protest begins today opposite CEB

The Ceylon Electricity Workers’ Union yesterday (2) declared a three-day protest opposite the CEH head office in Colombo, beginning today (3) against government plans to break up the state enterprise to facilitate privatisation.

Senior spokesperson for the union Ranjan Jayalal told The Island that the protest would begin at 11 am. The so-called restructuring of the CEB meant nothing but privatisation, Jayalal said, alleging that India was seeking to expand its hold on the power sector.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera was bent on privatising the CEB, regardless of the consequences, Jayalal said, adding that his union intended to bring as much as 5,000 workers to Colombo.

The Ceylon Electricity Workers’ Union is affiliated to the JVP. Jayalal alleged that Power Minister Wijesekera had failed to follow proper procedure in presenting the Bill to Parliament.

(SF)